With the advent of the global pandemic, COVID-19’s impact, each country’s economy is going through loads of ups and downs. Each person is facing drawbacks of recession differently. Hence, this tax season, because of COVID-19, Australians are advised not to accept the increased Flat Rates.
Already, the Australian Tax Office (ATO) has simplified the claim process for mass forces due to lockdown. The step has been taken to encourage people to ‘work from home.’ Therefore, the standard hourly rate has been increased from 52 cents per hour to 80 cents per hour.
But Spokesperson Andrew Gardiner from the national Tax and Accountant’s association expresses it with a distinct viewpoint. According to him, it will be unfair with taxpayers who have already paid the tax.
Even though concession covers off electricity, cooling, heading, and incurred expenses on printers, cartridge, papers, and computers; but people still need to be very careful. For instance, the concession includes only 80 cents per hour, which is over a typical 40-hour-week if you factor it.
Similarly, it’s not a massive claim for sure. Hence, you must be acquainted, that by simplifying the affairs, you aren’t going to get more significant claims.
However, choosing the flat rate by the taxpayer will result in losing the right to claim for new computers, chairs, and desk they have already purchased. Because during the pandemic, no one was working in the office.
Adopting ATO 80 cents rate makes you eligible to forfeit your right; thus, you can claim expenses, like electricity, internet, and phone bills, while working from home.
Confusion! What to claim?
It’s a usual question the answer to which is essential to know. After all, the global pandemic has brought a unique working environment across each sector worldwide. But it’s necessary to know that not all expenses are claimable. Only those expenses incurred during working hours or a part of your work are claimable.
What can I do for the claim?
Just reveal the working hours, and pattern of expenses you have incurred during ‘work-from-home’ to the ATO. The taxpayers, who remain well-prepared with entire records, can reap the benefits of claim with ease. But don’t forget to keep receipts of each claim you obtain.